Nambour mum inspired to change careers to research disease | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Nambour mum inspired to change careers to research disease

With a diverse professional background including a languages degree in Vietnam and a decade co-owning a business servicing earthworks and mining sectors in Australia, Ruth Duong decided on a career change.

When the 39-year-old Nambour mum graduated in front of her two young sons and friends at a recent University of the Sunshine Coast ceremony, she received not only a degree but a University Medal for her near-perfect grade point average of 6.82 out of 7.

“I’m feeling elated to be graduating with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and a University Medal for Academic Excellence,” Ruth said.

“My experience studying at UniSC has been life-changing. It was the best decision I have ever made to rebuild our life.

“I have grown from being an apprehensive single mother to someone who has hope for a better future for ourselves and others.”

'My focus is on bone biology – particularly early-onset osteoporosis in Down Syndrome, using a human stem cell model'

Biomedical Science graduate Ruth Duong with her children at spring graduation on campus at Sippy Downs

She said the study journey at UniSC was “amazing”.

“It started in 2020, after a lot of pushing from my friends. I was very nervous and thought I couldn’t do it.

“I had last studied in 2006, a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hanoi University of Technology in Vietnam.

“My diverse professional background encompassed research assistant, mechanical assistant and a decade-long proprietorship of a business that hired out earthworks machines and installed fire suppression systems in the mining industry.”

When deciding on a future path, Ruth was inspired by her own family and her children’s school.

“My mother is a biologist and I was fascinated with science but I got sidetracked and studied languages.

“Biomedical Science was a good choice. We study diseases and I hope that with my knowledge and effort, together with other scientists, we can help people.”

She is now studying towards Honours in medical science.

“My focus is on bone biology – particularly early-onset osteoporosis in Down Syndrome, using a human stem cell model.

“I decided on this topic after seeing some children with Down Syndrome struggling with the condition when I helped at my children’s school.

“My aspiration is to further this research through an industry doctorate or to work in clinical trial management.”

'It was the best decision I have ever made to rebuild our life'

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